Doc's Place

Chapter 6 | Part 2

Tuesday, October 2, 1984

Back in my office, I pick up copy two of each plan and walk back to Louise's office. She's on the phone but I walk in and sit down anyway. Set the plans on her desk and wait. She listens, her eyes unfocused, for a minute or so. Liz walks in and sits beside me, surreptitiously reaching over to give my hand a little squeeze.

Finally, Louise says, "I understand. Yes." She eases the phone down and looks at us. "I know you two don't talk to him, but Mr. Marriott has changed in the last couple weeks," she says.

"How so?" asks Liz, leaning forward.

"He's much more straightforward and direct. No more games, at least that I can tell," says Louise in reply.

"Be careful, Louise," says Liz. "This may just be games at a higher level for him. The guy manipulates like the rest of us metabolize." Her comment makes me smile with appreciation, but Louise frowns, so Liz adds, "He does it without thinking to sustain life."

Hmm, Peter is manipulating at a higher level. He has adapted to manipulate me.

"Jill?"

Look at the two of them and blink.

"What universe were you visiting?" asks Louise with a grin.

Glance at Liz. She looks at me, her eyes narrowed.

"Sorry. What did you say?"

"Just wondered what impressions you formed about Peter Marriott in your interview a couple weeks ago," says Louise.

"An arrogant ass," I say. "Would you like to brief Liz or shall I, Louise?"

Louise launches into an overview of my executive communications plan. She does not use the same order or the same emphasis I might have used but she does it well. When she finishes, Louise turns to me and asks, "Jill, why do you want Liz to prepare the discussion scripts and to train the consultants?"

"Efficiency and ongoing reinforcement, Louise. If Liz prepares the scripts and reading material, she will master it more quickly. In her position, she can continue to reinforce the lessons with executives and managers as time goes on."

"You want Liz to help with the discussion of the videotape immediately after each meeting in the interest of efficiency as well?" asks Louise.

"Yes," I tell her. "All four of us—Liz and I and the two consultants—will assist with the discussions so that the intended changes actually take effect within the time allotted. That way, we finish training all the managers in four months or less."

"What happens if a manager just does not get it or refuses to cooperate?" asks Liz.

"Mr. Marriott says cut `em loose," says Louise.

"Just because they don't show progress in an organizational development intercession? Seems a bit extreme," says Liz. "They could sue over any number of issues related to the intercession."

"Don't relate it to the intercession," says Louise. "Paper them out over other issues."

"What's that mean? Paper them out?" I ask.

"Standard HR procedure," says Liz, "three written warnings and they're out. Document every verbal and written statement anyone makes to them or hears from them. Make sure they know exactly what is expected of them and exactly where they fall short. No choice but to terminate for the good of the business. Just make sure that nothing in writing is actionable because it could come under legal scrutiny later. It's easy because Nevada is an at-will discharge state."

"Ah," I say. "Show that the employer is acting with reasonable prudence, following established policy, not in an arbitrary and capricious manner."

"That's it," says Louise. "We might turn you into a corporate HR type yet, Jill."

"Anybody you're concerned about, going in?" I ask.

Louise and Liz look at one another.

Raise my hands slightly. "Okay, don't tell me. We'll figure it out in the course of events." No one says anything so I ask, "What about budget approval? Are there any sticking points for Dick Scope or the CEO, Phil Garrett?"

"Your requests are reasonable and your business objectives are clear," says Louise. "Shouldn't be a problem."

"So I'm dotted line to Jill for the next few months, Louise?" asks Liz.

"Jesus Christ," I say, "Would you two speak English? What the hell does that mean?"

Liz laughs and says, "Quit whining, Price. You've seen an organizational chart?" When I nod, she says, "A solid line connecting me to Louise means that I report to Louise."

"So, a dotted line means you work under me only for the purposes and duration of this project," I say.

"Right," says Liz, "Four months, you said earlier."

"The answer is yes, Liz," says Louise. "You will be dotted line to Jill for the duration of this project as soon as Mr. Marriott and Phil formally say go."

"So why tell me now?" asks Liz.

Smile and say, "I whined to Louise."

"Mr. Marriott just told me he approves the plans, sight unseen," says Louise, "He added that he will place it in writing, Jill, so no future executive can kill the project."

"You have some pull with the man," I say.

Louise frowns, "No, I don't. He told me it sounds like straightforward management development stuff and he thinks the Doc's executive team needs it."

"Excuse me," says Liz, "but it's a little radical to be videotaping executive meetings, even for developmental purposes."

"It's what I did for the graduate business school, Liz," I say to her.

"In a university setting, yes," says Liz, "but in a casino? Trust me, it's radical." When I open my mouth to speak, Liz holds up a hand and says, "I'm just saying it's out on the fringe for conservative guys like we have here."

"So, you're saying . . . what?" asks Louise, looking at her.

"You're going to get pushback from these guys," says Liz.

"From whom?" asks Louise.

"Well, I think Morty and Glenn will have a tough time with it."

"Disagree," I tell her. "Morty and Glenn are going to back this. I guarantee it."

"Okay," says Liz, "but you should prep `em before you drop it on `em."

"I'll do that," I say, looking at her. "A question for you, Liz."

"I know, I know," says Liz, holding up one hand, "You're going to ask if I'm so intimidated by powerful people, that I cannot do anything but listen."

"So what's your answer?" I notice even Louise is leaning forward, looking at Liz.

"As long as I have clear direction, I'm okay," says Liz, "but I'm not good at improvising with powerful people."

Louise and I exchange a quick glance. "Thank you," I tell her. "It took courage to say that in front of your direct line," I add, showing off my new command of HR lingo. "You and I will detail this intervention to the gnat's ass, Liz. We'll even write scripts so you and the consultants will know exactly what to say and why you're saying it. How's that?"

She nods and says, "Good but that brings up another point. What justifies this intervention? Where's the analysis of the executives to show this particular action is needed?"

"The only analysis I conducted," I say, "was during my brief introductions to the second-tier executives yesterday. I have not even met the top tier at Doc's."

Louise jumps in. "Then Liz has a good point, Jill. We don't want to offend the executives with an intervention they don't think is justified."

Look at Liz and then Louise for a moment before answering, "Louise, you said that Mr. Marriott has already approved this." Liz opens her mouth to say something, but I lift a hand from my lap just slightly and say with care, "Which tells me that Mr. Marriott doesn't give a shit if I made a quick judgment. He wants this up and running."

Liz places one finger over her lips and narrows her eyes to look at me.

"True, but I'd better bring it up at least, about the analysis, I mean, with Mr. Marriott," says Louise. She looks at us. "Don't you think?"

Liz keeps her eyes deliberately on me. "Sure, Louise. Bring it up with Mr. Marriott. In fact, I'd like to hear his answer, if you don't mind."

Ask, "Why not fax him the plans and then call him?"

Louise says, "Okay, I think I have enough input for now. Do either of you have any other issues to bring up about this plan?"

"I do."

"Yes, Jill?"

"Didn't you say that all the top-tier executives are with Mr. Marriott in Las Vegas now, Louise? Suggest to Mr. Marriott that he present the publication plan to them. That way, you don't have to."

"That's a great idea, Louise," says Liz, still looking at me. "You should do that."

"I agree," says Louise. "Thank you, Jill. You certainly are confident about subjecting your plans for executive review."

Sit up straight, look first at Liz and then Louise and say, "Ladies, effective communication is the foundation of effective leadership."

Louise blinks and looks at Liz who raises her eyebrows and smiles. Louise says, "Jill, I think you just provided the subtitle for this whole project." She ceremoniously writes down my sentence.

"Another thing," Liz says. "No one but executives and managers should know about the executive communication plan since it does not immediately involve them."

"Good point," says Louise. "Liz, would you personally fax both plans to Mr. Marriott for me? Jill, number and secure all copies, please."

"Already done," I tell her. "I made six copies. Numbers three through six are locked in my filing cabinet with the original." Glance at Liz, but she just shrugs.

"Nice to work with professionals," says Louise. "Now, beat it, friends. I have a phone call to make."

Liz says to me in the hallway, "I'll give you back copy number three, Jill." Then she pats me on the shoulder. "You are slick, girl. Does Mr. Marriott know you're manipulating him? Don't answer that," she says with a smile.

"Question about the warehouse staff, Liz." Describe Dick's careful handling of the warehouse guys yesterday.

Touching my arm, Liz guides me into my office as she softly says, "Unlike Las Vegas, Northern Nevada casinos are non-union shops, Jill. Union workers like the warehouse guys are independent contract. We keep them separate so they do not fraternize with the permanent casino employees, who are not protected by a collective bargaining agreement."

"What's wrong with a collective bargaining agreement?"

"Operating expenses for union shops go up by fifteen to twenty-five percent, that's why," says Liz. She adds, "We have apples-to-apples comparisons with Las Vegas casinos as evidence of that."

"Why does Doc's Place keep union members as employees? Close the warehouse and let Dick in Purchasing run it."

"The warehouse supervisor is a steward and his contract is grandfathered in," says Liz. "He'd have to quit or die. If he did, we'd probably fire the whole crew. Besides, he does a good job. His crew hasn't had an injury-causing accident in more than ten years."

Ask Liz about Old. She begins chattering about him and ends up inviting me for a drink at the Exchange. When I suggest tomorrow after work, she agrees.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

Previous Part Next Part

Doc's Place Chat
© 2008, Michel Grover.
Chapter 6 | Part 2
Summer 2008

Mic :

In the left frame, I'm posting Doc's Place, one of my copyrighted stories. I'll post a part of a chapter, wait for a while so people may leave comments or questions and then post those I find interesting.

Benny :

We learn that after the last guy didn't work out, Peter rejected all other applicants except Jill. Peter knows something beyond what we've heard so far. Jill, the first words you said to Peter after meeting him were, "You made inquiries about me." He never responded. How did you know that he had made inquiries and what inquiries did he make?"

Jill :

Bruno had told me earlier that Peter had made inquiries of the Chief of Detectives through a friend in the Utah Attorney General's office. The Chief of Ds referred the attorney to Bruno, who eventually met with Peter briefly in Salt Lake City.

Benny :

We should probably hear about that meeting between Bruno and Peter, but not right now.

Carlos :

Damned good detective work, Benny. We didn't know any of this and now you've uncovered a new lead.

Benny :

Thank you, but I haven't finished. George's casual mention of the health club membership is probably what prompted Jill's request of Peter to include the membership. Since that racquetball game at the health club proved to be quite enlightening, we should look at a couple other details in George's statement.

Lucia :

Not to belabor the point, Benny, but we still don't realize why the racquetball game at the health club is as important as you say it is, even if it is a deception.

Maria :

That's right, Benny. Les was still irritated about that when he left.

Benny :

May I be allowed to continue?

Cyril :

You tell `em, Benny. Don't let them distract you.

Benny :

I don't get distracted. Do I, Alice?

Alice :

Quite alright, I don't mind in the least hanging out with a myopic 12yr-old obsessed with details about people long since dead.

Suze :

Enjoying Barcelona with Benny, Alice?

Alice :

I can't begin to describe the pleasure I feel.

Benny :

Anyway, even though Jill didn't ask for it, Peter added a months' vacation to Jill's benefits so George's comment about 2wks vacation after a year doesn't apply. That comment about one free meal a day in the employee's cafeteria is interesting. Mic, how many passages in the story reference that free meal?

Mic :

Benny :

And how many passages reference the employees' cafeteria?

Mic :

Benny :

Hm, one extra reference. Carlos, what is unique about the employees' cafeteria compared to public areas?

Carlos :

It's where hourly employees take breaks.

Benny :

Not important since you two are salaried employees. What else is unique?

Carlos :

Damn, I just realized what you're sniffing at, Benny. The HR staff posts mandatory federal and state notices in the employees' cafeteria.

Benny :

Labor notices?

Carlos :

And other legal notices.

Benny :

Les, is that true?

Les :

Yes, federal labor laws require that all employers post such notices prominently in employee areas.

Suze :

Don't you believe Carlos, Benny?

Carlos :

He believes me but, as any good detective will tell you, get independent confirmation. Right, Benny?

Benny :

Right. Jill, had anyone told you up to this point that you are messing with forces that are not only none of your business but beyond your control?

Jill :

Not up to this point, no.

Marcus :

Benny has something. What is it, Benny?

Benny :

Les and Carlos, we must remember that Jill may do something involving legal notices in the employee cafeteria.

On a completely different point, even though Jill is always prepared to strike, she waits until the timing is perfect for her purposes. Lucia, you pointed out how the subtlety of Jill's comment to Dick in Purchasing about the warehouse guys seeming independent sent shivers up your spine. Remember?

Lucia :

Sure. Now what are you seeing, Benny, another distraction right under our noses?

Benny :

Let's hear about your interview with Liz Coates, Jill.

Jill :

A stocky woman with short-cropped hair and sensible shoes walks in and says, "George, why are you monopolizing her?" Taking my hand, she says, "I'm Liz Coates, ER Manager. You're Jill?"

"Yes," I say, shaking her hand.

"We were just finishing up, Liz," says George, standing. He is holding his pad in front of his belt.

"What did you write?" asks Liz. She grabs the pad from George's hand.

George reddens. He has an erection made obvious by the tight, gray slacks he is wearing. Must have happened when I touched his hand.

"Well," says Liz mercilessly, looking at the pad, "What have we here? Looks like you've interviewed Jill intently, George." She looks up at him with a grin. "Well-written, concise comments," she adds, "I'm proud of you." Turning to me, she asks, "Jill, aren't you proud of George?"

"I found him to be warm and personable." Turning to him, I extend my hand and say, "Thank you, George."

George smiles and nods as he shakes my hand but he is too embarrassed to speak.

As we walk to her office, Liz says, "You found George warm, huh?" She closes the door behind us, indicating that I should sit in one of the two chairs in front of her desk. She sits in the chair beside me.

"I touched his hand," I tell her. She laughs, which makes me grin.

"You do have one hell of a body, girl," she says. "Did he tell you he lives with his mother?"

"Bullshit," I say.

"Swear to god," she says, holding up her right hand.

"Probably has a porn collection," I tell her.

She leans forward and stage whispers, "You think he has pictures of women?"

It hadn't occurred to me that George might be gay so I say, "Sure. No discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, physical condition or national origin."

She laughs again, slapping the desk.

Ask, "What's an ER Manager, Liz?"

"ER—employee relations," she says.

"I'm having a problem at work so I come to you, what do you say?"

"Do what you're told and resolve any conflicts after your shift," she says automatically.

"What if the ape wants I should blow his crank?"

"Say no, complete your shift and then come see me."

"Compare experiences?"

She smirks. "You're a wise-ass, Price. I like that."

Leaning forward, one elbow on her desk, I ask, "What about Peter Marriott?"

Immediately she is serious, leaning close and speaking so softly we are almost whispering. "What do you know so far?" she asks.

"He's the corporate counsel for Ferro, which owns Doc's Place. Told Louise he rejected all comers for this job because they didn't have the stones to do it," I tell her. As Liz nods, thinking, I add, "George told me not to show that I was intimidated by him."

"What do you think you'll do?" asks Liz.

"Walk up and knee him in the nuts?"

She gives it serious thought, shakes her head and says, "Won't work. He'll interview you this afternoon in front of a big window facing west. He's sitting behind the desk so the sun is in your eyes, you know."

"Jesus, that's a cheap trick," I tell her.

"But effective, right?"

Liz has a pockmarked but honest face with an easy smile. She wears a wedding band and a sensible bra and panty hose under her skirt and blouse with a jacket. I trust her. "Yeah, I'll have to come up with something else. Tell me what you know about him, Liz."

"Well, last year I took a class on union-busting from Peter. Two things he does. He intimidates you just to see how you react and he plays games."

"Games?"

"Messes with your head. Like, would you bet your job on that assertion? Shit like that."

"Are there other people like you who work here, Liz, or are they all up-tight bureaucrats like Louise and George?"

She says, "You can trust Carlos Esteban, the Security Manager. I think you'll like him too. Talk to me about the others after you have a first impression." Carlos Esteban and his family live in Baron Ranch, my neighborhood. We sit quietly for a moment. "I hope you make it past Peter, Jill," she says.

"I made it past you, Liz."

"You're the real deal, girlfriend. You gotta meet my ball-and-chain. He's a bartender, former hog farmer. Everybody calls him Old and he's your kind of people." She stands and looks at me, so I stand too. "You got a man who gets you actin' all girly, Jill?"

"Wait `til you see me around Bruno."

"Bruno makes you act sweet and vulnerable? I gotta meet this guy. Relax for a minute. I'm gonna meet with Louise and George, the up-tight bureaucrats, to talk about you. Louise will call you in for the interview when she's ready."

"Hey," I say. She pauses to look at me. "What are you going to say?"

"That you dress up in crotchless panties to make Bruno hot." When I roll my eyes, she leans against the doorjamb and says, "You're not listening. What would Bruno's reaction be if you dressed up like a baby doll and walked around?" She watches my expression and bursts out laughing like a naughty little girl, delighted and wicked.

Walk up the hall to a bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. I can't believe what I see. My face, neck and chest are flushed. Liz embarrassed me! That hasn't happened in years. I push down my pants, sit down and piss, trying to figure out where to buy naughty underwear to wear for Bruno.

Reach between my thighs and pat myself dry, drop the tissue and relax, pleasuring myself. I picture myself dressed in a revealing negligee, something I've never worn, watching the expression of disbelief on Bruno's face. I watch him force me to my back, his weight above me, his harsh whisper thick with lust. . . . Climax quickly, gasping and even sweating a little. Straighten up and check myself in the mirror, the fantasy still throbbing through my brain. I look a little wild, like I just ran to catch a bus.

As I step out into the hall, I see George waiting for me. He stares, his mouth open. I walk by him and say, "I'm ready, George."

He swallows and falls in behind me as I push through the door. I pause in the foyer while George uses a key to unlock the executive hallway door. He leads me past desks and offices, then points to Louise' office on the right. I walk in and sit beside Liz in front of Louise' desk. Liz, the dirty-minded bitch, is staring at me with a grin but I ignore her. George pulls the door closed and I look at Louise.

"You look . . . excited," Louise says happily.

Liz snorts through her nose and mutters, "Yes, strangely excited."

"I am," I tell Louise.

"Everyone thinks you'll do well at this job," adds Louise.

"I intend to," I say.

She frowns. "Let's talk about money first, then we'll let Liz go see her hubby," says Louise. "The range for the position is twenty-two five to thirty-two five. Since you are finishing your master's, I'm thinking you could start at half the range, twenty-seven five and. . . ."

"Thirty," I tell her.

"Beg your pardon?"

"And I'll get through the next interview."

"First you have to get by me, Jill," says Louise, sounding pissed.

"Louise, I can handle everything this job requires. I like you guys and you like me. Have you checked my references?"

"I have," says Louise. When I stare at her, she adds, "You know they're impressive. The Salt Lake Chief of Detectives thinks you walk on water. The CEO in Los Angeles thinks you're a minor deity. Your department chair thinks you're a genius and the dean of the Business School wants you to come back, get your doctorate and take over his job."

"Look," I shift forward in my chair and tell Louise, "Liz probably told you I'm direct, so ask me anything. What else do you need to know?"

"I don't know," says Louise. "Maybe if you want my job."

Look at her. You've got to be kidding, lady. "Three years ago, Louise, I was publications manager at Morris Bemerson. They put me on the executive fast track. I experienced heart problems directly related to stress. My doctor told me to change my lifestyle or die, so I resigned to begin my master's work. I wouldn't take your job if you offered it to me spindled on a twenty-year-old cock."

Louise blinks at me. She doubles over with laughter. Liz laughs so hard she cries. I smile at them, a little surprised at myself. Then Liz farts, which sends all of us into gales of laughter.

Every time someone starts to say something, someone else laughs and we collapse in laughter again. It takes several minutes of false starts to regain control.

"Okay, okay, thirty it is," says Louise, dabbing at her eyes carefully with a tissue. "We'll continue this over lunch. You have one more interview this afternoon with Peter Marriott, who is corporate counsel for Ferro Corporation. Ferro owns Doc's Place, Jill. Peter is dangerous and he's a bastard."

That sobers us.

"He will play you and watch the effect with enjoyment," continues Louise. "I can only say, don't let him push you around. He'll see it and dismiss you immediately." She stops, turns and says, "Liz? Anything I've forgotten?"

She waves her hand. "Naw, you two go eat lunch and I'll get out of here. You'll either make it by Peter or you won't, Jill." She stands and moves by me, opens the door and walks out.

Jules :

Oh man, that passage has some tasty stuff—sex, drama and a hint of danger. Thanks, Jill.

Marcus :

Benny, my good man, you amaze me. Add Liz' interview with Jill to what we read in the story segment at the left and we learn the real reason Peter wants the warehouse guys out of Doc's Place altogether.

Suze :

What did Liz say during the interview that is revealing about why he wants the warehouse guys out?

Carlos :

Liz' reference to the union-busting class reveals that Peter has wanted the warehouse guys out for some time.

Benny :

Perhaps Peter brought up the warehouse guys with Jill because he knew that Liz had probably already mentioned the class to her.

Jules :

I'm not sure I follow your logic there, Benny. What do you mean?

Benny :

Notice in the story segment at the left that Jill knows exactly whom to ask, precisely because of Liz' comment about union-busting during the interview 2wks before.

Jules :

Oh, so now Liz says to Jill that if the warehouse super quits, the executives would fire the whole crew. My god, now Liz is almost complicit if it comes out that she said that to Jill once Jill forces the super to quit.

Suze :

After Jill does what?

Jules :

Come on Suze, you don't really believe that Jill is going to kill the old bastard, do you? He's not a convicted felon and he certainly is not violent.

Suze :

No, you're right, Jules. She won't do that. Sorry, Jill.

Benny :

The point is, Jules, Jill asked her question of Liz in a way that makes Liz complicit, which means Liz is not going to reveal their conversation to anyone. It could not only cost Liz her job, but it might damage her career. Again, Jill's actions, while subtle, are perfectly timed to accomplish her objectives.

Lucia :

Once again Benny, you reveal your genius for detail. It's not linguistics but it is about the way people talk.

Benny :

Lucia, you may have missed it but do you recall what Dick in Purchasing told Jill after she made the comment that sent shivers up your spine?

Lucia :

Hang on while I read it. Oh . . . my . . . god, Benny! You just figured out when Jill's going to take out the warehouse super.

Amalie :

Well, we know the time of day but not which day.

Benny :

Au contraire, mon ami. We know both the date and the time.

Amalie :

Uh-oh, what'd I miss?

Benny :

Right after Liz makes the remark that could implicate her and wreck her career if it came out, Jill says. . . .

Amalie :

Damn, you're right, Benny. I'm embarrassed.

Cyril :

C'est rien, mon ami. He's out of my league too, as the Americans say.

Suze :

Would someone explain this for me?

Carlo :

In the story, Liz will meet Jill for drinks at the Exchange tomorrow night after work. Dick in purchasing meets the warehouse steward every night after work. Jill will slip out of the Exchange, thump the super and slip back in without anyone noticing she was missing.

Alan :

Looks like Benny's ruining all the tension in your story, Mic. Now Benny has told all of us what Jill is going to do and when she is going to do it before she does it.

Mic :

As Benny already pointed out in the discussion that pissed everyone off, the story merely provides structure for our conversational flow. All the tension's over here, Alan.

Amalie :

Let's not forget that Benny had just as much trouble as we did in figuring out why things were in the story. That is, he did until Jill helped him organize everything behind those patterns of his. Right, Benny?

Benny :

Right. I owe Jill a lot for helping me to organize all the things slidin around in my head.

Amalie :

That's fine, Benny. You've repaid Jill and then some. Hasn't he, Jill?

Jill :

Yep.

Marcus :

What about you, Amalie? Have you repaid Jill?

Amalie :

I'm afraid not. I represent a long-term investment that will not pay off until I can apply my abilities to a problem that does not exist yet.

Benny :

To put it another way, Amalie, my problem was one of organization. Yours is one of application.

Marcus :

Or to put another way altogether, Amalie, the problem may exist but we do not realize that it exists. Perhaps you'll discover the problem before anyone else does and be able to figure out what to do and how to do it.

Amalie :

You would make a Cassandra of me, Marcus? Homer claimed that Cassandra was unable to do anything about what she could see.

Marcus :

Apollo did not bestow your gift, my child. God did, so fear not. You will not only see the problem, but you will know both what to do and how to do it. None of this means that it will be easy or without cost, however.